This article was updated on August 9, 2021.
Montréal is many things: an urban playground, an open-air dance floor, a gourmet tasting table – but what many people don’t realize is that the city is also a living, breathing gallery of stunning works of public art of every imaginable type and medium.
Discover the wealth of art that adorns Montréal’s sidewalks, buildings and public spaces thanks to Art public Montréal.
The website brings together over 1,000 accessible works of public art created by over 500 professional artists from Québec and around the globe. And thanks to a street map of its own, you can navigate the city’s cultural riches like a pro. You'll also find many self-guided tours (over an hour) and mini-tours (around 30 minutes) in different spaces and neighbourhoods.
Here are some examples of art routes you can choose from.
Little Italy: To learn about the history of a neighbourhood where the first Italian immigrants settled in the 19th century. The tour takes you to Parc Jarry, the De Catelnau metro station, Jean-Talon Market and the Claude-Léveillée culture centre.
On the walls of the Plateau, from Laurier to Mont-Royal: To get acquainted with mural art, and the creativity of the folks who live in this colourful neighbourhood.
Verdun: To admire the works of public art between the Lasalle and Verdun metro stations, take the beat of the neighbourhood, and visit lovely shops, cafés and restaurants along Promenade Wellington.
Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie: To discover or rediscover the legendary Plaza St-Hubert, between the Rosemont and Jean-Talon metro stations.
Hochelaga-Maisonneuve – Discover Ontario Street: To visit the popular Promenade Ontario, lined with shops, cafés and bistos, and see the works of numerous mural artists. (You can also listen to podcasts about certain of the works on this tour.)
Montréal by night: To admire artworks in the Quartier des Spectacles and Old Montréal, whose beauty is particularly enhanced at night.
Underground city: To better appreciate the 32-km long underground pedestrian network beneath Montréal's downtown core.
Mount Royal Park: To find artworks atop Mount Royal, and learn more about the history of this nature haven in the middle of the city.
City of circus arts: To enter the imaginative worlds of Cirque du Soleil, École nationale de cirque and TOHU, and visit Parc Frédéric-Back.
Where the business world and art come together: To make a foray into the Business District, and see the famous fountain sculpture by Jean-Paul Riopelle, a piece of the Berlin wall, and the stone sculpture of the Greek goddess Amphitrite, dating back to the 18th century.
With artpublicmontreal.ca, you're all set to explore the extraordinary collection of public art that adorns the city.
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